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United Europe

The European Union has 27 member states, 17 of which are on the common currency. Founded through a string of treaties beginning in the 1950s, the EU has developed its own economic, political and legal policies. Taken as a whole, the EU is the world's largest economy.

Broadcaster Fight: Greek Government Barely Avoids Collapse

Broadcaster Fight: Greek Government Barely Avoids Collapse

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 18, 2013

Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras almost fell over his decision last week to shut down public broadcaster ERT. But on Monday night, an unexpected court ruling helped him stay in power. How long will the peace last? By Georgios Christidis in Thessaloniki more... Comment ]

Trade Talks: Deal Could Double German Exports to US

Trade Talks: Deal Could Double German Exports to US

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 18, 2013

The EU and the US are set to start negotiations on a trans-Atlantic free trade agreement in July. A deal could have huge benefits for Germany and the rest of the EU. But there would also be losers according to a new study. By Florian Diekmann more... Comment ]

The Roma Conundrum: Looking for Clues in a Romanian Village

The Roma Conundrum: Looking for Clues in a Romanian Village

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 14, 2013

Large numbers of Roma immigrants from southeastern Europe are proving to be a serious integration problem for many cities, including Berlin. A local politician recently traveled to Romania to learn more about the challenge. By Özlem Gezer more... Comment ]

Culture Wars: French 'Exception' Threatens Trade Deal

Culture Wars: French 'Exception' Threatens Trade Deal

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 13, 2013

This week, EU member states are expected to give the green light on talks for a wide-reaching trans-Atlantic free-trade agreement. But French demands for films and culture to be exempted from negotiations could stall or derail the plan. more... Comment ]

Turkey's Gamble: Crackdown Threatens EU Accession Talks

Turkey's Gamble: Crackdown Threatens EU Accession Talks

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 12, 2013

The crackdown against protesters in Istanbul by the Turkish government creates a dilemma for the EU. The Europeans don't want to tolerate violence against demonstrators, but they also don't want to lose Erdogan as a partner. By Carsten Volkery and Severin Weiland more... Comment ]

Crisis Course: High Court Skeptical of ECB Bond Buys

Crisis Course: High Court Skeptical of ECB Bond Buys

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 12, 2013

Germany's high court on Tuesday made clear that it was skeptical of the ECB's program to buy unlimited quantities of sovereign bonds from struggling euro-zone member states. It could strike down the most successful tool in combating the crisis. By Stefan Kaiser in Karlsruhe, Germany more... Comment ]

World from Berlin: Prism Spying 'Attacks Basic Civil Rights'

World from Berlin: Prism Spying 'Attacks Basic Civil Rights'

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 11, 2013

The world has been scandalized to learn about Prism, the broad data surveillance program used by the US at home and abroad. German commentators say that both Berlin and Brussels must defend Europe from this invasion of privacy. more... Comment ]

ECB Case at High Court: The Bundesbank Is Playing a Dangerous Game

ECB Case at High Court: The Bundesbank Is Playing a Dangerous Game

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 10, 2013

With its opposition to the ECB's bond-buying policy, the German central bank is pursuing a risky strategy that may stem in part from a desire to enhance its own power. Germany's Constitutional Court will hold a key hearing on bond buying this week. A Guest Commentary by Peter Bofinger more... Comment ]

Decisive Days for Euro: High Court Considers ECB Bond Buys

Decisive Days for Euro: High Court Considers ECB Bond Buys

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 10, 2013

Germany's highest court is currently reviewing the European Central Bank's controversial bond-buying program to shore up euro-zone crisis countries. A decision in Karlsruhe could determine the common currency's fate. By Melanie Amann, Thomas Darnstädt and Dietmar Hipp more... Comment ]

Interior Minister: Germany to Deport 'Poverty Immigrants'

Interior Minister: Germany to Deport 'Poverty Immigrants'

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 07, 2013

German communities have complained for years about Romanians and Bulgarians immigrating to abuse the country's social welfare system. On Friday, the interior minister promised tougher measures, including expulsions and travel bans. more... Comment ]